Maybe Gov. Robert Bentley can auction off the executive lectern. The General Fund might get extra money if he'll throw in that gubernatorial seal.

Gov. Robert Bentley gets himself into more trouble by either not thinking a statement or idea through before talking it up -- or by simply changing his mind on a whim.

Take the state's dreadful immigration law. (Please!) Anyway, Bentley touted HB 56 when it passed last year, talking about how proud he was that Alabama had the toughest immigration law in the land. After disastrous unintended consequences, including the arrests of auto workers visiting from other countries, Bentley couldn't run away from the immigration law fast enough. Then he joined a chorus asking for revisions.

This year, Bentley was just as indecisive on immigration. The even-more-horrible HB 658, a rewrite of HB 56, passed the Legislature, but Bentley said he couldn't sign a bill he didn't like, and he didn't like HB 658. Bentley called for more immigration law revisions in the special session, then, in practically the blink of an eye, Bentley signed HB 658.

Whether Bentley likes it or not, Alabama's mean-spirited immigration law, and the damage it has done to the state's reputation and economic development efforts, will be a big chunk of his legacy.

Then there is Bentley's pledge not to raise taxes, no matter what. Well, not so fast. Bentley said if voters fail to approve a Sept. 18 referendum that would take $146 million a year from the Alabama Trust Fund for three years to prop up the General Fund, he'll be forced to make severe, double-digit cuts in the state's budget. Earlier, Bentley said even if that happened, he would not support tax increases.

Now, the governor is saying if he calls a special session to deal with the financial crisis, "everything" would be on the table.

"That includes tax breaks. That includes fees. That includes taking away incentives that some of these companies have right now they are currently enjoying," Bentley said.

As reported by News staff writer Kim Chandler (here), when pressed further on taxes, Bentley said "I think the statement speaks for itself."

Huh?

"It's still not my plan to raise taxes on the people of this state," Bentley said.

No, just end tax breaks, raise "fees" and remove industry incentives. That, along with our immigration law, should be enough to end any hope of many businesses and industries relocating here.

Still, don't forget what Bentley said: "Everything" is on the table.

Yeah. That statement speaks for itself, too. I'm just not sure what it says.